Transforming Career Paths: Joshua Doyle's Journey in the Automotive Industry
“With the guidance of WPC and the support of Porsche Centre Doncaster, Josh has transformed from a school-based apprentice into a highly skilled technician, proving that dedication, mentorship, and the right opportunities can drive remarkable success” Scott Manley, Service Manager, Porsche Centre Doncaster.
Suburban Melbourne isn't typically known for its sleek, spotless automotive workshops. Yet, Joshua Doyle, a recent light-vehicle apprentice graduate, finds himself working in just such an environment at the Porsche Centre Doncaster, Victoria, Australia. Under the auspices of the group training organisation WPC Group, Joshua embarked on a four-year school-based apprenticeship, which he completed in December 2024, and has now transitioned to a full-time role with Penske Automotive Australia.
Joshua describes his workplace as "super clean," appreciating the white decor accented stylishly. "It’s very stylish," he adds, highlighting the aesthetic and functional aspects of his work environment.
His journey into the automotive trade was not conventional. Initially intending to leave school after Year 10 for a career in defence focusing on heavy-diesel vehicles, Joshua’s path took a pivotal turn. He was selected for WPC Group’s Automotive Taster Program during his senior high school years, which ignited his passion for mechanics—a passion he'd fostered while repairing bicycles and helping his father with car maintenance at home. This experience led him to Box Hill Institute of TAFE, where he attended classes one day a week for 12 months, completing a Certificate II in Light Vehicle Automotive, alongside gaining work experience at Porsche Centre Doncaster.
Balancing schoolwork, training, and work, Joshua managed to complete his apprenticeship and a Year-12 equivalent, the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning. "The COVID-19 pandemic was still a big thing then, but I had a good routine to manage my workload: I’d lay everything out on the Sunday for the week ahead and knew where I had to be and when. That helped a lot," he shares about managing during challenging times.
Now, a typical day for Joshua involves servicing, brake work, or diagnostic repairs on SUVs as well as classic and performance vehicles. With his apprenticeship behind him, Joshua is looking to the future with plans to gain more experience as a Porsche technician and eventually become a dual-trade technician with high-voltage certification to work on electric vehicles.
"A couple of my coworkers who’ve been with the company for 10 years are going to Germany soon for classic-car training. I’m looking forward to exploring opportunities here over the years," he says, eager about his professional development.
Joshua’s mentor, Carol Wicks, a WPC apprentice and trainee manager, speaks highly of him: "Joshua is levelheaded, committed, listens to and follows instructions and feedback, and has a really good character. He’s very conscientious and eager to put his hand up to do more."
Over four decades, WPC has cultivated extensive networks to connect young apprentices like Joshua with suitable employer partners, supporting their aspirations and skill development to meet the unique needs of businesses and organisations.
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